The BGSU Falcons football team overcame a 13-point second half deficit to keep its postseason hopes alive with a 30-29 win over Buffalo. In the game seen nationally on ESPN2, WR Freddie Barnes caught a touchdown pass from Tyler Sheehan with 39 seconds remaining to give the Falcons the win.

Special teams played a big role in the Falcon win with two blocked punts: the first was recovered at the one-yard line and led to the Falcons' first score, while the second sparked BGSU's late-game comeback. With Buffalo up 29-17, LB P.J. Mahone blocked a punt early in the fourth quarter giving the Falcons excellent field position - BG scored cutting the Bulls' lead to 29-23. QB Sheehan drove the Falcons 75 yards on their final drive, culminating with the 18-yard TD to Barnes.

The Bowling Green defense was big in the second half, allowing just one Buffalo touchdown. That score came after fumbled punt return that gave the Bulls the ball at the BG 5. Aside from that score, the Bulls were ineffective on offense with 4 3-and-outs. Freshman RB Jeffvon Gill (#3 on the RB depth chart) was pressed into service with injuries to the other Bull RBs (who had already lost senior prosect James Starks earlier this season to a torn labram) - he was a significant bright spot for Coach Turner Gill's Bulls with 172 yards on 23 carries. We need to keep an eye on him!

College: Bowling Green State University Conference: Mid-American Columnist: Jay Horn

Jerrett Sanderson 4 6' 0.0 203 4.60 LB 2010

Sanderson had a great game tonight - he had 6 tackles (3 solo) and 1 for loss on a key series that kept Buffalo pinned deep in their territory late in the game. He is extremely quick, and can create a lot of havoc in the backfield. He is listed as the 'Sam' backer, and will walk-up and come hard off the edge. His stature is suspect at the next level, however. He is also a contributer on special teams (kick and punt cover) and might find his niche at the next level in this role. He needs to 'bulk-up' to be competitive at the next level and that might affect his speed. Only negative was his 'roughing the kicker' early in the game on a UB-FG that ended with a Bull TD.

GRADE: SLIGHTLY POSITIVE

P.J. Mahone 5 5' 11.0 201 4.55 CB 2010

Mahone has been out for 6 weeks prior to this game with an injury - he came back to lead the team with 10 tackles (5 solo) and was in on both punt blocks - recovering both and blocking the second, as well. He showed great quickness on the block, delaying for a count, then blowing straight up the gut to get the block. He was solid in coverage (dangerous Naaman Roosevelt was held to 2 catches) and did a good job in run support. He has the potential to get a camp invitation - I like his size, but not sure if he has enough speed to make an NFL roster, but I could see him with CFL-level potential.

GRADE: VERY POSITIVE

Freddie Barnes 7 6' 0.0 206 4.64 WR 2010

I expected to see Barnes (a Biletnikoff seminfinalist and nation's leading receiver with 107 catches) have an exciting night, and he delivered, finishing with 8 catches for 122 yards and the game-winning TD (his 10th). He uses his body well to shield the ball from the defender while using his hands to make the catch. His route running was excellent, and he was open a number of times, although Sheehan was not able to get the ball to him until late in the game. He is very versatile, running out of the Wildcat (one carry for an important first down on the scoring drive to cut the lead to 6) and he threw an excellent shovel pass that was dropped. I'd like to see a quicker 40 time, but with his performance this season, I put him among the top 5 receivers in the draft.

GRADE: POSITIVE

Tyler Pronty 8 6' 0.0 172 4.50 WR 2010 - did not play

Tyler Sheehan 13 6' 3.0 224 4.75 QB 2010

Sheehan had his 5th consecutive 300+ yard game this season, completing 22 of 40 for 313 yards and the game winning TD; he also ran for 20 yards on 6 carries and took 1 sack. He did throw an ill-advised INT later in the game, to a double-covered receiver that appeared he tried to 'thread the needle' (and his feet weren't really set) and came-up empty. Good leadership and poise during the final drive were huge in this game. He was able to complete passes to 5 different receivers in the drive, demonstrating good vision and willingness to take what is there and move the ball up the field. He keeps his eyes up field, even while taking pressure; carries out fakes well - arm strenght and mechanics are good. Could see him going in the 7th round or PFA - definitely able to contribute in UFL or CFL.

GRADE: POSITIVE

Jahmal Brown 24 5' 10.0 192 4.50 CB 2010

Brown had an adequate performance, but didn't make any big plays - his coverage seemed a little soft (gave up a 20-yard catch to Rack down to the BG 10 resulting in an early TD). He contribues on special teams and had a nice tackle on a kick-off. He finished with 7 tackles (4 solo). Would contribute as a practice squad player.

GRADE: SLIGHTLY POSITIVE

Nick Iovinelli 26 6' 0.0 188 0.00 P 2010

Iovinelli had 4 punts for 132 with 2 downed inside the 20 and 1 TB. Decent hang time, but not outstanding; good placement inside the 20.

GRADE: SLIGHTLY POSITIVE

Roger Williams 31 5' 9.0 196 4.50 CB 2010

Williams made some good plays in run support and had 7 tackles (3 solo) on the evening. He also had KO returns of 21, 16, and 12 yards. Coverage was pretty good, he keeps good contact with his receiver (good hip position) and was in position to help. His height is potentially an issue (I don't think he was 5'9 - maybe 5'8). Practice squad or UFL level, but would not expect him to be drafted by an NFL team.

GRADE: SLIGHTLY POSITIVE

Brandon Jackson 43 6' 2.0 240 4.50 LB 2010

Jackson was listed as starting at left DE, but he seemed to play more like as an OLB. He finished with 3 tackles (1 solo) and really wasn't too effective as a lineman against the run (he was handled pretty easily by Buffalo OTs Ostrowski -6'7, 300 - and West 6'6, 302). He would need to be an OLB to play at the next level, since his stature leaves him un-competitive against pro linemen. Practice squad/UFL player.

GRADE: NEUTRAL

Brady Minturn 70 6' 4.0 293 4.85 OB 2010 - did not play

College: University of Buffalo Conference: Mid-American Columnist: Jay Horn

Davonte Shannon 7 6' 0.0 205 4.50 SS 2011

Shannon had a nice INT and 30 yard return to go with 3 tackles (1 solo). He has good size and speed, and broke well on the ball for his pick. He also contributes on the punt cover and KO team. Good size for a safety. UB used a lot of zone coverage to prevent Barnes from getting 1-on-1 - could use another year of preparation - at this point would consider him a 7th round/PFA possibility.

GRADE: SLIGHTLY POSITIVE

Kendric Hawkins 12 5' 10.0 189 4.50 CB 2010

Hawkins seemed to give too much cushion late in the game and was burned a few times (usually by Barnes) even though he had a pass break-up and 2 solo tackles on the game. He was around in run support, but did not make many plays. I would not expect to see him at the next level.

GRADE: NEUTRAL

Naaman Roosevelt 18 5'11.3 191 453 WR 2010

I expected to see more of Roosevelt, but pressure on Maynard limited his opportunities. He caught 2 for 21 yards - both good hands catches. His first catch got him to his 47th consecutive game (2nd longest streak in the nation) with a reception. He runs good routes, but QB Maynard was harassed much of the night and not able to really get much in the way of passing done (just 13 complete for 149 yards). He works well downfield on running plays and made some key blocks to help Gill with his big night.

GRADE: NEUTRAL

James Starks 19 6' 2.0 211 4.55 HB 2010 - Injured early in season - did not play

Mario Henry 28 5' 9.0 204 4.50 HB 2010

Got dinged-up in the game, leading to Jeffvon Gill coming in. Was in long enough to get 4 carries for 15 yards and punched in the 2nd Bull TD of the game on a 2-yard scoring run. Like Roosevelt, would like to see more touches to get a good evaluation.

GRADE: INCOMPLETE

Mike Newton 30 5' 11.0 204 4.50 FS 2010

Newton finished with 5 tackles (1 solo) and had 1 pass break-up. Great in run support and a real 'spark-plug' for the Bull defense - like his enthusiasm. Had some great coverage - moved well, adjusted to keep his man close and gave run support when needed. Could see him as a 6-7th rounder.

GRADE: SLIGHTLY POSITIVE

Andrew West 72 6' 6.0 302 5.00 OT 2010

West did not start (has his left hand in a cast) but came in through-out the game and played most of the fourth quarter. He was effective despite the cast. He his big and strong - he locks his man down well on the stretch play and was able to get downfield when on the back side of the play. Good wing-span - strength a little hard to judge with hand in cast.

GRADE: SLIGHTLY POSITIVE

Jesse Rack 82 6' 3.0 242 4.70 TE 2010

Rack (a Mackey Award contender) had a great night - very effective run blocker and good receiver as well. Very athletic and agile - made an excellent cut block on Mahone to get key 1st down in the 4th quarter. Had 2 catches for 38 yards including an 18 yard TD catch (ties for team lead with Roosevelt with 6). His 20 yarder was key to setting up the 2nd UB score. Uses his hands well to catch. Rack could be developed as an H-back/fullback at the next level (probably not big enough for TE) as he blocks well out of the backfield and can catch. Worth an invitation to camp.

GRADE: VERY POSITIVE

Brett Hamlin 88 6' 1.0 196 4.55 WR 2010

Hamlin (as all the Bull WRs) had a limited night and is also the punt returner (he had an FC and no returns). He did catch 3 for 54 including a 30-yarder on the first play of the night. He also does a good job in downfield blocking - he has good size and is able to use it to his advantage blocking against DBs. Would have liked to see more. Possibly a UFL-CFL candidate.

GRADE: SLIGHTLY POSITIVE

GAME NOTES: The 18-yard TD kept Tyler Sheehan’s touchdown streak (at least one touchdown pass in 11 straight games) going back to the final two games of 2008 ... that TD was Barnes’ 10th of the season ... he now leads the country with 107 receptions and 1,176 yards. Barnes is just 35 receptions shy of the NCAA season record of 142 ... Maynard threw a TD in his 9th consecutive game ... Shannon's INT is the second of the season and 6th of his career.

Nice report, Jay.

I've had my eye on Sheehan for three years. I believe he is a very solid sleeper at the QB position this year.

Barnes is definitely intriguing. Though he is going to have to probably run sub 4.50 to be a Top 5 WR in any draft. Roosevelt is probably a better all-around prospect, but you probably couldn't see that in this game.

Why is Newton listed as a "HB"? Does he play safety?

Should be FS (his UB profile says he's played CB and S) - thanks for the catch!

I know how important speed is, but doesn't production, route running, catching ability and playmaking make a difference? Wasn't Jerry Rice's 40 time in the 4.6s (or is that an urban myth )? Not saying Freddie Barnes is going to be a Jerry Rice, but the young man can catch and can make a difference in a game ...

Yes, but Jerry was able to beat the jam. Will Freddie be able to do that?

The Bull DBs played so far off him and they really didn't try press coverage on him ... used more of an 'umbrella' look - trying to keep him in front of them (when the Bulls gave him one-on-one, he beat it for the TD ...)

Sheehan was named MAC East Player of the Week after this game (third time this season):

Sheehan completed 22-of-40 passes for 313 yards and one touchdown, the game-winner with 39 seconds remaining in the contest. The Cincinnati, Ohio, native added a four-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter as well.

It was the fifth fourth quarter comeback of the senior’s career and second of 2009, after leading the Falcons to a 36-35 win at Kent State back on Oct. 10.

Sheehan has thrown for 2,990 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2009 and has a chance to set a new school record for passing yards in a season, set in 2004 by Omar Jacobs (4,002).

For his career Sheehan has completed 870-of-1,351 passes for 9,056 yards, all second-best in school history, behind Brian McClure (900-of-1,427 and 10,280 yards).

Sheehan’s Offensive MAC Player of the Week Awards
at Minnesota (2007) 34-51, 388 yards, 2 TDs (had one receiving TD as well)
vs. Temple (2007) 30-47, 351 yards, 4 TDs
at Buffalo (2007) 20-29, 248 yards, 2 TDs (had one receiving TD)
at Wyoming (2008) 22-35, 287 yards, 2 TDs (had one rushing TD as well)
vs. Akron (2008) 26-41, 239 yards, 3 TDs (had one rushing TD as well)
at Marshall (2009) 43-62, 383 yards, 1 TD
at Ball State (2009) 28-41, 376 yards, 3 TDs
at Buffalo (2009) 22-40, 316 yards, 1 TD (had one rushing TD as well)

News Release By: Dave Meyer, Bowling Green Athletic Communications